Quick Overview
- 1#1: NetSupport School - Comprehensive classroom and IT lab management with real-time monitoring, control, and lesson delivery features.
- 2#2: LanSchool - Cloud-based platform for monitoring, managing, and securing student devices in IT labs and classrooms.
- 3#3: Faronics Insight - Real-time student monitoring, collaboration, and device management tool optimized for educational labs.
- 4#4: Veyon - Open-source software for monitoring, controlling, and managing computers in IT labs and classrooms.
- 5#5: Impero Education Pro - Advanced device management and safeguarding solution for IT labs with content filtering and monitoring.
- 6#6: Splashtop Classroom - Remote access and screen sharing tool for real-time monitoring and control in IT labs.
- 7#7: ComLab - Schedules computer lab bookings, tracks inventory, and manages maintenance for IT environments.
- 8#8: LabStats - Monitors computer lab usage and provides analytics to optimize resource allocation.
- 9#9: Epoptes - Open-source Linux-based tool for teacher control and monitoring of student PCs in labs.
- 10#10: Vision - Classroom management software for monitoring student screens and facilitating lab activities.
Tools were selected based on comprehensive feature sets, reliability, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of IT lab environments, from K-12 classrooms to corporate training spaces.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines key IT lab management tools, including NetSupport School, LanSchool, Faronics Insight, Veyon, and Impero Education Pro, along with other platforms. It outlines essential features, usability, and capabilities to guide readers in selecting the most suitable solution for their lab management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NetSupport School Comprehensive classroom and IT lab management with real-time monitoring, control, and lesson delivery features. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | LanSchool Cloud-based platform for monitoring, managing, and securing student devices in IT labs and classrooms. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Faronics Insight Real-time student monitoring, collaboration, and device management tool optimized for educational labs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Veyon Open-source software for monitoring, controlling, and managing computers in IT labs and classrooms. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 10/10 |
| 5 | Impero Education Pro Advanced device management and safeguarding solution for IT labs with content filtering and monitoring. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Splashtop Classroom Remote access and screen sharing tool for real-time monitoring and control in IT labs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | ComLab Schedules computer lab bookings, tracks inventory, and manages maintenance for IT environments. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | LabStats Monitors computer lab usage and provides analytics to optimize resource allocation. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Epoptes Open-source Linux-based tool for teacher control and monitoring of student PCs in labs. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Vision Classroom management software for monitoring student screens and facilitating lab activities. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
Comprehensive classroom and IT lab management with real-time monitoring, control, and lesson delivery features.
Cloud-based platform for monitoring, managing, and securing student devices in IT labs and classrooms.
Real-time student monitoring, collaboration, and device management tool optimized for educational labs.
Open-source software for monitoring, controlling, and managing computers in IT labs and classrooms.
Advanced device management and safeguarding solution for IT labs with content filtering and monitoring.
Remote access and screen sharing tool for real-time monitoring and control in IT labs.
Schedules computer lab bookings, tracks inventory, and manages maintenance for IT environments.
Monitors computer lab usage and provides analytics to optimize resource allocation.
Open-source Linux-based tool for teacher control and monitoring of student PCs in labs.
Classroom management software for monitoring student screens and facilitating lab activities.
NetSupport School
specializedComprehensive classroom and IT lab management with real-time monitoring, control, and lesson delivery features.
Seamless cross-platform compatibility with real-time thumbnail monitoring and instant remote control across Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, and Android devices.
NetSupport School is a comprehensive IT lab management software solution tailored for educational environments, enabling instructors to monitor, control, and interact with student computers from a centralized console. It provides real-time screen viewing, remote control, file distribution, application and internet metering, automated testing, and lesson recording to enhance teaching efficiency and maintain lab discipline. Supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android, it ensures seamless management across diverse device ecosystems.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-platform support across desktops, mobiles, and thin clients
- Advanced monitoring with thumbnail views, chat, and drag-and-drop control
- Robust security features including encryption, compliance tools, and anti-cheat testing
Cons
- Initial setup requires agent installation on all client devices
- Advanced features have a learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be premium for small-scale deployments
Best For
Educational IT labs and training centers needing full-spectrum device monitoring and control in mixed-OS environments.
Pricing
Quote-based perpetual licenses per tutor/student seat (approx. $5-15/student with volume discounts); subscription and maintenance options available.
LanSchool
enterpriseCloud-based platform for monitoring, managing, and securing student devices in IT labs and classrooms.
Insight thumbnail view for instant oversight of all student screens simultaneously
LanSchool is a comprehensive classroom and lab management software that allows IT administrators and instructors to monitor, control, and manage student devices in real-time across Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and iOS platforms. It provides tools for screen viewing, remote control, application lockdowns, web filtering, and interactive features like quizzes and messaging to maintain classroom focus. Ideal for educational IT labs, it helps enforce policies and streamline instruction without needing extensive hardware.
Pros
- Powerful real-time screen monitoring and remote control
- Multi-platform support for diverse lab environments
- Integrated web/app filtering and usage reporting
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with large-scale deployments
- Limited native scheduling or asset inventory tools
- Occasional performance lag on older hardware
Best For
Educational IT labs in schools or universities needing robust student device oversight during classes.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $30-$50 per device/year with volume discounts; custom quotes for enterprises.
Faronics Insight
specializedReal-time student monitoring, collaboration, and device management tool optimized for educational labs.
Live thumbnail view of all connected student screens from a single intuitive dashboard
Faronics Insight is a classroom and lab management software tailored for educational environments, enabling teachers and IT admins to monitor, control, and interact with student devices in real-time. Key functions include live screen thumbnails, device locking, screen sharing, internet restriction, and interactive tools like quizzes and messaging. It supports Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and iOS, facilitating management across diverse lab setups.
Pros
- Cross-platform support for seamless multi-OS lab management
- Real-time monitoring and control tools enhance classroom efficiency
- Strong security features like device lockdown and web filtering
Cons
- Primarily education-focused, with fewer enterprise IT lab capabilities
- Resource-intensive on older hardware during high-activity sessions
- Advanced analytics require additional configuration or modules
Best For
K-12 schools and educational IT labs needing robust student device oversight and teacher control.
Pricing
Subscription-based at ~$2-4 per device/year with volume discounts; perpetual licenses available.
Veyon
specializedOpen-source software for monitoring, controlling, and managing computers in IT labs and classrooms.
Real-time screen monitoring and remote control of unlimited client computers from a single master interface
Veyon is a free, open-source classroom and IT lab management software that enables educators and administrators to monitor, control, and interact with multiple student computers simultaneously. Key capabilities include real-time screen monitoring, remote desktop control, screen sharing, file distribution, messaging, and screen locking to maintain focus. It supports Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it versatile for diverse lab environments.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Comprehensive tools for monitoring, remote control, and file management
- Cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, and macOS
Cons
- Initial setup requires network configuration and technical expertise
- User interface appears dated and less intuitive for beginners
- Limited built-in support for cloud integration or mobile access
Best For
Educational institutions and IT training centers needing a cost-free, feature-packed solution for managing computer labs.
Pricing
Free and open-source (no cost for any features).
Impero Education Pro
enterpriseAdvanced device management and safeguarding solution for IT labs with content filtering and monitoring.
Live thumbnail view of all connected student screens for instant classroom-wide monitoring
Impero Education Pro is a classroom and lab management software tailored for educational institutions, enabling teachers to monitor, control, and manage student devices in IT labs. It provides real-time screen visibility, remote control, content filtering, and collaborative tools to enhance teaching efficiency and student focus. While strong in oversight features, it focuses more on behavioral management than comprehensive IT asset tracking or scheduling.
Pros
- Real-time thumbnail screen monitoring for quick oversight
- Robust remote control and content filtering capabilities
- Integrated messaging and screen sharing for interactive teaching
Cons
- Primarily Windows-focused with limited macOS/iOS support
- Setup can be complex for large-scale deployments
- Pricing scales with device count, less ideal for small labs
Best For
K-12 schools and educators managing Windows-based IT computer labs needing strong real-time monitoring and control.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $5-10 per device/year depending on scale; custom quotes required for full deployment.
Splashtop Classroom
specializedRemote access and screen sharing tool for real-time monitoring and control in IT labs.
Multi-student screen monitoring and control from a single teacher dashboard
Splashtop Classroom is a remote desktop and screen sharing solution tailored for educational IT labs, enabling teachers to monitor, control, and interact with multiple student computers simultaneously. It supports real-time screen broadcasting from teacher to students, blanking student screens to reduce distractions, and features like chat, file transfer, and session recording for effective classroom management. As an IT lab management tool, it excels in centralized oversight of lab devices across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chromebooks, streamlining instruction in computer-based learning environments.
Pros
- High-performance remote access with low latency
- Cross-platform support for diverse lab setups
- Intuitive teacher console for multi-device monitoring
Cons
- Lacks built-in lab scheduling or asset inventory tools
- Requires reliable internet for optimal performance
- Advanced collaboration features limited to higher plans
Best For
Teachers and IT administrators in K-12 or higher education settings managing interactive computer labs.
Pricing
Starts at $3.95 per student device/year (minimum 10 devices), with volume discounts and custom enterprise pricing.
ComLab
specializedSchedules computer lab bookings, tracks inventory, and manages maintenance for IT environments.
Integrated software license manager that automatically tracks usage and enforces compliance across lab machines
ComLab is a specialized IT lab management software tailored for educational institutions and training centers to streamline computer lab operations. It provides tools for seat reservations, class scheduling, remote monitoring, software deployment, and license management to optimize resource usage and prevent overcrowding. The platform also includes usage analytics, print quotas, and access controls, making it suitable for multi-lab environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling and reservation system with mobile support
- Real-time lab monitoring and remote control capabilities
- Robust license tracking and usage reporting
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Windows environments, limited cross-platform support
- Initial setup and agent deployment can be complex for non-IT admins
- Pricing scales quickly for larger deployments without transparent tiers
Best For
Universities and schools with multiple computer labs seeking centralized scheduling and resource optimization.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on lab size and seats; starts around $5-10 per concurrent user/month, requires quote.
LabStats
specializedMonitors computer lab usage and provides analytics to optimize resource allocation.
Automated Wake-on-LAN power management for significant energy cost reductions
LabStats is a specialized IT lab management software designed for tracking and optimizing computer lab usage in educational and corporate environments. It provides real-time monitoring of lab occupancy, hardware utilization, and software access, along with tools for scheduling reservations and generating detailed analytics reports. The platform excels in power management, using Wake-on-LAN to reduce energy costs by automatically powering down idle machines.
Pros
- Precise real-time usage tracking and analytics
- Effective power management for energy savings
- Reliable scheduling and reservation system
Cons
- Initial setup requires network configuration expertise
- Limited integrations with third-party tools
- Pricing scales quickly for large deployments
Best For
Educational institutions and IT labs needing detailed resource utilization tracking and energy optimization.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at around $1 per computer/month with tiers based on lab size; custom quotes for enterprises.
Epoptes
otherOpen-source Linux-based tool for teacher control and monitoring of student PCs in labs.
Seamless real-time screen monitoring and broadcasting across all lab computers
Epoptes is an open-source classroom management tool tailored for Linux-based computer labs, particularly those using LTSP (Linux Terminal Server Project). It allows instructors to monitor student screens in real-time, lock or blank screens, share their own screen with the class, send messages, execute commands remotely, and control peripherals like keyboards and mice. Designed for educational environments, it supports efficient lab management without licensing costs, focusing on thin client setups.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Robust real-time monitoring, screen sharing, and remote control features
- Lightweight and efficient for Linux lab environments
Cons
- Primarily limited to Linux/Ubuntu ecosystems with no native Windows or macOS client support
- Setup requires significant technical expertise, especially with LTSP integration
- Lacks advanced analytics, reporting, or cloud-based management options
Best For
Linux-proficient educators and IT admins managing on-premises computer labs in schools or universities.
Pricing
Free (fully open-source under GPL license)
Vision
specializedClassroom management software for monitoring student screens and facilitating lab activities.
Seamless 'hands-free' presentation mode that mirrors teacher screen to all student PCs instantly
Vision from houseonfire.co.uk is a classroom management software tailored for IT labs in educational settings, allowing teachers to monitor, control, and interact with student computers in real-time. Key functions include live screen viewing, remote control, screen sharing, keyboard/mouse locking, and application/internet restrictions to maintain classroom focus. It supports Windows environments with network integration for efficient lab administration.
Pros
- Reliable real-time monitoring and remote control of student PCs
- Strong integration with Active Directory and school networks
- Useful tools for demonstrations and group activities
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility limits versatility
- Dated user interface requires adaptation
- Pricing can be steep for small labs without discounts
Best For
UK schools and colleges with Windows-based IT labs needing straightforward classroom control and monitoring.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~£200 per lab plus annual support (~20% of license cost); custom quotes for larger deployments.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase exceptional capabilities for IT lab management, each with unique strengths. At the top is NetSupport School, a comprehensive solution with robust monitoring, control, and lesson delivery features. LanSchool and Faronics Insight follow closely, offering cloud-based security and optimized collaboration, respectively, while other tools address specific needs like booking, analytics, or open-source compatibility.
Embrace the efficiency of top-ranked NetSupport School to streamline your lab operations and enhance classroom management—start exploring today to unlock its full potential.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison